After almost giving up, I have decided to continue the internet distribution at SDC for 2010.  Unfortunately, since taking over the wireless distribution 6 years ago, I have lost money every season.  I have lost over $6000.00 (yes, I actually finally added it up) in total (and that does not include my labor).  I was about ready to stop distributing internet in the campground and hanger, but I am making some changes this year to break even (hopefully).

Here is how it will work:

By the beginning of April, a new billing system should be up and running allowing subscribers to pay automatically via Paypal (you will be directed to a page for authentication upon first use).   If you do not have the means to pay via Paypal, you can still pay me cash directly for the entire season (I will not be taking monthly payments via cash).

Since the T1 line is failing to meet the internet needs of subscribers, I have contracted for a new, variable-speed connection, which can be adjusted for usage.  This new connection will be used for subscribers only, and the minimum speed is about the same as the T1 (without all of the other users such as para-concepts, skycam, the office, and webcams).  As the season progresses, and bandwidth is used up, I can double, or triple the T1 speed with a phone call to my provider.  I expect that the bulk of the season I will be providing at double T1 speed, and summerfest will be at 3x T1 speed, but I am prepared to leave it at 3x T1 speed for the season if necessary.

I am also adding at least 2 more access points in the campground to address weak coverage areas (yes this includes you Whitney and Kenny).  You guys probably don't know this, but each new access point costs $400, and last year alone I lost 3 access points due to failure.  If more areas need addressing, I can add more access points if necessary.

The lobby will still remain free access, as will the two terminals in the lobby.  I have made more improvements to the free terminals, and I am sure everyone will agree they were better than ever before in 2009.  BTW, if you have an old PC you wish to donate, I am happy to accept that for use in the lobby if it improves service.

The prices will include one computer and one smartphone (which you can add yourself when you signup and pay.   For instances where there is a couple or similar who each have a computer, come see me after signing up the first person, and (as a general rule) the second person will be subscribed at half price.

Now the meat and potatoes, the prices:

The price for the entire season is $100.00,  if you wish to pay monthly the rate will be $25.00 per month.  I will also have a price-point of $10.00 which will cover 10 days (primarily for summerfest, but you can use it any time.

So, in summary:

The price has doubled

The bandwidth has (up to) tripled

The service area has been expanded.

The signup will be much more automated (so you don't have to find me to subscribe)

I am sorry for the price increase, but I cannot afford to continue to funnel money into this project.  I want everyone to have internet, and I am doing the best I can to keep the costs down and at a break-even level.

Regards,

Troy Church

 Well folks,  I may have posted too soon.  Due to complications and other commitments, I may not be able to distribute internet to SDC for 2010.  

I should know by the weekend whether or not I will do it.  I am not in a postition to chance losing more money.  I am preparing to make another investment (in hardware, software, and monthly internet access) in the system, and with the track record, coupled with the constant customer-service demands of the project, I don't think it is prudent to continue.  My heart wants to continue, so everyone has access to internet on the airport, but my brain and wallet disagree.

Sorry for the confusion.  I will post the final answer soon.

Regards,

Troy

 Oh, by the way:

If someone is interested in distributing the internet, and purchasing some or all of the equipment,  I will consider offers for the hardware and help you get started.

Troy

 FINAL WORD:

Ok, here's what's going on this year:
The internet in the hangar (the entire hangar) will be free.  SkydiveChicago will own and operate that equipment (I will not be involved).  There will be no internet in the campground.  I cannot risk losing more money on this project.

I will be putting the new connection in at my trailer, so if you can get the signal from my trailer, you can subscribe for prices listed in the first post on this thread.   If you can't get the signal, you can't get the internet.

Here's the time-table:

The entire hangar will be free by April 2, 2010.

The campground internet will be off by April 4, 2010.

The internet will be up at my trailer (for subscription if you receive adequate signal) by April 4, 2010.

Regards,

Troy Church

 UPDATE:

As of today 3/26/10, the hangar is completely free.  The SSID is SDCFreeWifi.

Campground will probably be going down next week.

Troy

 UPDATE:

Hangar internet is free, SSID is SDCFreeWifi.

Campground internet will be shut down and equipment removed on Monday 4/5/2010.

Thanks to all of you who supported the project, sorry it had to end.  You know who you are.

Troy

Troy - call me about this if you want. I can probably help come up with a solution, and can definitely donate some gear.

I was planning on bringing a few replacements for the two internet terminals in the cafe as well, so I may as well bring it all at the same time.